IBM System x3610, Problem Determination And Service Manual

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Solving undetermined problems
If the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use
the information in this section.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or
intermittent), see “Software problems” on page 104.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged BIOS code can cause undetermined
problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the clear CMOS switch to clear the CMOS
memory and override the user password; see “System-board switches” on page 11.
If you suspect that the BIOS code is damaged, see “Recovering the BIOS code” on
page 107.
Check the LEDs on all the power supplies (see “Power supply LEDs” on page 108).
If the LEDs indicate that the power supplies are working correctly, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn off the server.
2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
3. Make sure that all internal and external devices are compatible with the server
(see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/).
4. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the
failure. Turn on the server and reconfigure it each time.
v Any external devices.
v Surge-suppressor device (on the server).
v Modem, printer, mouse, and non-IBM devices.
v Each adapter.
v Hard disk drives.
v Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is one 512 MB
DIMM, in DIMM connector 1.
The following minimum configuration is required for the server to start:
v
One microprocessor
v One 512 DIMM
v One power supply
v Power backplane
v Power cord
5. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in
the following order:
a. Power backplane
b. System board
If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server but the
problem recurs when you reinstall the same adapter, suspect the adapter; if the
problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a different one, suspect the
system board.
If you suspect a networking problem and the server passes all the system tests,
suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the server.
Problem determination tips
Due to the variety of hardware and software combinations that can be encountered,
use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If possible,
have this information available when requesting assistance from Service Support
and Engineering functions.
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IBM System x3610 Type 7942: Problem Determination and Service Guide